As per the latest data, student visa applications to the UK from India, have increased by 89%. Under such circumstances, efforts are being made to improve the processing time for UK study visas. Students, who wish to study in the UK for more than 6 months, need to know about the following 3 UK Study Visas:
- Short-term Study Visa: For people who wish to take an English language course for up to 11 months, a short-term UK study visa is available.
- Student Visa: Students who are traveling to the UK to pursue higher education fall under this visa category. Previously known as the Tier 4 Student Visa, it was also known as the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
- Child Student Visa: Children who are between the ages of 4 and 17 and want to attend an independent school in the UK are eligible for this visa. Previously known as the Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa.
UK Student Visa Eligibility Criteria
- A student must have received an offer of an academic course from a licensed student sponsor
- A student must have sufficient financial resources to support himself/ herself during the duration of the course
- A student must be able to speak, read, write and understand English
- If a student is aged 16 or 17, he/ she needs a consent from his/ her parents
How much cost required for UK Student Visa
If students are applying from outside the UK, the charge for the UK Student Visa, formerly known as the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, depends upon the different types of factors. You must also pay a healthcare premium, the amount of which is determined by how long you are staying.The methods of payment are stated below.
- Online using either a MasterCard or Visa card.
- Through demand draft at the visa application center and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.
- Through Cash at the visa application center and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.
Students must note that if they wish to switch to a UK Student Visa from inside the UK, they will have to pay the fees.
Documents Required for UK Student Visa
UK Student Visa Requirements: In contrast to applying for a tourist visa, applying for a student visa necessitates carrying a lot more documentation. Along with the required documentation, applicants also require supporting evidence from their academic and financial lives. Before heading to the consulate for the visa interview, make sure to consult the UK Student Visa Checklist.
You should have the following documents before applying:
- A completed student visa application form
- An official and unequivocal offer of a place on a programme of study will be made to you in the form of an acceptance letter (CAS, or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which will be sent by your authorized education provider. Before you apply, the visa letter must not have been issued more than six months earlier. Within six months of getting their CAS, students must apply for a study visa for the UK.
- A visa letter is not a guarantee that your application will be approved. The applicant must satisfy all category criteria as well as any additional immigration laws.
- Proof of funds – The amount you must demonstrate will pay for your first year of tuition as well as living expenses for a maximum of nine months (1 academic year). Whether you are applying as an adult or kid and whether you will be studying in or outside of London will determine how much money you will need. You need to provide proof that you’ve had the money for at least 28 days.
- The visa fees payment confirmation receipt
- Payslips
- Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
- Scoresheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
UK Student Visa Process: How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a UK Student Visa. UK Study Visa applications are processed within three weeks of the completed application being lodged.
Step 1 – The first step is to check if you qualify for the student visa or not. You need to show that you have:
- A confirmed place at the school, university or college where you intend to study. It is called a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies’ (CAS).
- Enough money (also known as ‘maintenance or funds’) to cover your course fees and living costs in the UK.
Step 2 – Get your documents ready
Step 3 – Apply online: To obtain a UK Visa, you must register and set up an account on the official website. You must print and sign your completed online application when you’ve finished filling it out. To make a reservation at the visa application facility, utilize the online appointment calendar. You will get an email with your application number once you have finished your online application.
Step 4 – Pay your application fee. There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee.
- Payment at Standard Chartered Bank – Some Standard Chartered Bank branches accept fee payments. A demand draft in the name of “The British High Commission” will be issued by the bank.
- Demand draft from a nationalized or foreign bank – You can pay your charge by obtaining a demand draught from a foreign or nationalized bank. There may be a fee from the bank for this service. The “The British High Commission” must be named as the beneficiary of the demand draft..
- Payment at the visa application center – You can pay the visa application fee at the visa application center when you submit your visa application.
- Pay online – You can pay your visa application fee online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.
Step 5 – On the scheduled date, visit the visa application facility. For the purpose of submitting your application, a facial image, and fingerprints, you must schedule and keep an appointment at the visa application center.
Students are allowed to withdraw their application. For this, they need to contact UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration). If their application processing has not started, their fee will be refunded.